The role of information systems in the means testing of basic social assistance work
The study examines the utilisation and role of information systems as part of the means testing related to decision-making work on basic social assistance and the identification of customers' service needs. The study focuses on previous research on the discretionary powers of authorities and the digitalisation of social security implementation, and produces new information on how digital infrastructures and tools affect administrative decision-making and the realisation of citizens' rights. The research material used is group interviews with Kela's employees who work in customer service and make decisions on eligibility for basic social assistance. In addition to structured questions, the material consists of pre-constructed vignette cases for processing in small groups of employees.
The results of the study will be reported in a scientific article and a master's thesis, which are expected to be completed during 2024. The study is carried out in cooperation between researchers from Kela's research unit and the REPAIR research project. REPAIR is a project funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) that studies the societal impacts of algorithmic systems and promotes the key principles of the welfare society (www.repair-research.fi) through research.
Researchers
- Hanna-Mari Heinonen, Principal Investigator
- Markku Laatu
Persons responsible for the research on behalf of the REPAIR project:
- Minna van Gerven, University of Helsinki (Principal Investigator)
- Aino Salmi, University of Tampere
- Aleksander Heikkinen, University of Helsinki
Duration of the project
9.11.2023–31.12.2024.
Partners
The research project is carried out in cooperation with the SRC-funded REPAIR research project.
